Messages By Music - Senegal in transition
Director Cornelia Strasser
Countries Switzerland, Senegal
Duration 76 min
Synopsis
In West-African Senegal there is a tradition of transmitting messages through music. Renowned rapper and Pan-Africanist, Awadi, who has a distinct political philosophy, is juxtaposed with three griots – traditional Senegalese singers – who play an important role in society. The diversity between their music, ethnic backgrounds, languages, and religious beliefs provides an insight into contemporary Senegalese culture – a culture that oscillates between tradition and modernity. This documentary strives to understand one growing African nation, but has relevance to any shifting African society.
In West-African Senegal there is a tradition of transmitting messages through music. Renowned rapper and Pan-Africanist, Awadi, who has a distinct political philosophy, is juxtaposed with three griots – traditional Senegalese singers – who play an important role in society. The diversity between their music, ethnic backgrounds, languages, and religious beliefs provides an insight into contemporary Senegalese culture – a culture that oscillates between tradition and modernity. This documentary strives to understand one growing African nation, but has relevance to any shifting African society.